Conditions: Conditions were very good with firm flat base. Some debris on the trail, but I used my best skis and didn't regret it.
Skated the Birkie Skate trail out of North End cabin this afternoon. I skied north along the power lines initially and found trails packed but not combed once I got out of the woods. Then I skied south to Boedecker and back. The skate lane in the woods was well skied in, but hard packed and generally fast with good control. Coverage was complete with the only downside being couple of spots with dirty snow, but these were easily avoidable. In stark contrast to Birkie race day, I only saw a handful of other skiers the whole time I was out. If you're reading this report, you probably already know this, but there is no trail like the Birkie Trail. Get out and ski it while you can!

(Mark Luehring)

Conditions: Firm and fast. Getting dirty from lack of new snow. A little lumpier than I remember but that could just be my fatigue. I still have no problem using my "A" skis everywhere I went.
Skied from OO with to Fish Hatchery. A little lumpy compared to the North half of the course. Skied south of Bitch Hill for the first time and found it better than expected. The new route from Fish Hatchery to Hwy 77 didn't look to be open yet. A fine day on snow before heading back to work.

(Andy Schwartz)

Conditions: Still really good for skating. Looked like the classic track had been reset most places.
Skied from the Power Lines south to OO including Birkie Ridge then back on Classic Trail. Freshly groomed on the Birkie Trail all the way as was the primary route down Birkie Ridge (not the side loop though). Starting to get a little hard from lots of use and no new snow. But still fine skiing pretty much everywhere North of OO.

(Andy Schwartz)

Conditions: Trail in very good condition. As you get south, the trail has less snow so it gets a bit lumpy, but really good skiing throughout.
Groomed south from OO trail-head to Hatchery park, including the loops at Hatchery. Was able to set a classic track to Mosquito Brook, but not any further south – gets to thin for a full track. Groomed north from OO to Powerlines on the Birkie Skate trail – including resetting the classic track. Enjoy!

(Chris Campbell, American Birkebeiner)

Conditions: Good coverage, lots of skiers!
Things look great this morning! The crew worked on the Korte tail last night. We groomed from OO north to Timber Trail food station on the Birkie Classic, then the Korte trail into Telemark from Timber Trail. Groomed the East and West loops at OO as well. More tonight!
– Chris and the trail staff.

(Chris Campbell, American Birkebeiner)

Conditions: Very good for skating. A skiff of new snow to partially cover the leaf litter.
I skied north from OO to the high point on the classic trail and back on the Birkie trail. Flat, firm surface. Fine skiing. Over the past 5 days, I've skied the entire system except Birkie Ridge and the trail south of Bitch Hill. Most sections a couple of times. Generally, the North half of the course is better than the south half and the classic trail is better than the Birkie trail. That said, I think the trail is in good early season condition everywhere so you should find decent conditions no matter where you start out.

(Andy Schwartz)

Conditions: Good to excellent.
Skied from North End to OO on the Birkie trail. A few thin spots and quite a lot of sticks and debris, but if you are careful ski-able with race skis. Skate deck was firm and fast. Classic tracks looked good as well.

(Elias Anoszko)

Conditions: Very good to excellent skate lane, it was freshly groomed, provided good coverage, and was level.
Very good to excellent skate conditions can be found on the Birkie Trail and The Birkie Classic Trail from Powerline to the High Point. Skiers found fresh corduroy and I saw many happy faces out enjoying the trails today. A big shout goes out to the grooming crew for the great trails! Happy New Year!

Photos:

(David Martin)

Conditions: Trail firming up and smoothing out - lots of smiling faces out.
OO loops are set best-line for a HS classic race today. Easy Strider loop at OO is groomed. Birkie Skate and Birkie Classic trails have been groomed from OO north to Powerlines with new classic track set, as well as the Birkie Ridge trails. OO south we have tried to set a track - there is a marginal one from OO south to Gravel Pit food station (approx 10km south). Enjoy the skiing.

(Chris Campbell, American Birkebeiner)

Conditions: Very good for skating. No classic tracks south of the OO lighted loops yet.
I skied south from OO past Mosquito Brook. Firm, mostly flat surface. Some twigs and tree schmutz from recent heavy snows and wind. The south half of the trail isn't quite race day smooth yet but still really fine skiing. I had no qualms about using my "A" skis.

(Andy Schwartz)